Episode 54: Major Tom Schueman and the Story of Zak, an Afghan Interpreter Rescued

Bulletproof Veteran Podcast

This week we welcome Major Tom Schueman, founder of Patrol Base Abbate. Maj. Schueman shares a story of brotherhood and commitment, personified by the acts of heroic veterans during the drawdown and exit from Afghanistan. Like so many veterans, Maj. Schueman's mission to rescue his interpreter, Zak, was an example of an American servicemember's promise to his allies. Zak, and his family, braved the a trek from Kunar, through Taliban controlled territory, to Kabul. Once there, Maj. Schueman financed their stay in a small apartment as they repeatedly tried to gain access to Hamid Karzai International Airport. On the third day of chaos, with the help of military members on the ground, contacts back in the United States, and a fearless Afghan driver, Tom got the word that he had been waiting for, "We have them". We commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with this story of hope, and the example of what it means to be a GWOT veteran.
We also discuss the mission of Patrol Bas Abbate. PB Abbate offers free-of-cost retreats in "Big Sky Country" for service members and eligible veterans, where they can reconnect with their warrior spirit, foster community through shared interests, and re-discover purpose in service to each other, their families, and their communities. PB Abbate also offers local chapters in major cities across the country to help their members serve their communities and foster connectedness through a mutually beneficial network. For more information about Patrol Base Abbate, and to register to get involved, go to https://www.pbabbate.org/.
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